Purdue University Department of Theatre
Audition Announcement
UNIVERSITY PREMIERE PRODUCTION
EL MITO or THE MYTH OF MY PAIN
First Rehearsal: August 21, 2023
Performances: September 22 - October 1, 2023
Synopsis: Following a Colombian American family, Los Villegas, as they produce a local access telenovela in Miami, Florida. As the Villegas work through grief after losing their Abuela Rosmira, Michelle the youngest daughter, begins to discover the ability to travel to other worlds meeting a mysterious woman on her travels that begins to teach her how to use her gifts. When demons from Colombian myth begin appearing in Miami hunting for her older brother Flaco, it’s up to Michelle to protect her familia from danger. But she’ll have to unlock secrets from her familia’s past in order to confront their future.
A story exploring the legends we pass down through culture and myths.
Content Warning: This show contains attempted sexual assault, violence, and themes of intergenerational trauma.
Audition Information
Generals: By video submissions due by Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 9:00am.
The link to submit your audition will be available by March 17, 2023.
Callbacks: Saturday, March 25, 12:00p – 4:00p in Pao Hall 2164 with director joining via Zoom.
Actors will be notified of a callback via email.
Generals Audition Requirements (via video):
Please note: The actor should set the frame so the entire body is visible in front of a neutral background. Please be aware of forward or backward movement that may take an actor out of the frame. All actors are required to submit a picture of themselves or a headshot. You will be asked to provide a link to your video audition. Be sure to read the script before you audition!
Purdue Department of Theatre Acting Graduate Students, Undergraduate Acting Majors/Concentration and Acting Certificate Students: Please prepare a 1-2 minute dramatic or comedic monologue that best showcases you! Full permission to show up as your fullest self and would love to see what kind of work inspires you.
Purdue Department of Theatre Majors, Theatre Minors, Theatre Design and Production Majors and Non-Theatre Majors: Please prepare a 1-2 minute dramatic or comedic monologue that best showcases you! Full permission to show up as your fullest self and would love to see what kind of work inspires you. The monologues do not need to be memorized.
Script: If you would prefer to use a monologue from the script you may download it here.
A Note on Staged Intimacy: All staged contact will be led in rehearsals by a consultant trained in staging intimacy. All instances of staged intimacy for the characters required of the script are noted in parentheses in the character description below. If actors prefer not to be considered for characters because of staged intimacy or have questions they will be given an option to indicate this on the online audition form.
A Note on Staged Violence: All staged contact will be led in rehearsals by a consultant trained in staging violence.
Enrollment Requirement: Student actors cast in this production must register for 2-3 credits of THTR 536 Rehearsal and Performance.
Character Breakdown
MICHELLE – Younger sister of FLACO, daughter to DIANA. Latina, presents as 17.
-Intimacy required, fight choreography required (Michelle witnesses El Bufeo jumping on top of an unconscious Flaco in an attempt of sexual assault and responds with violence.)
FLACO – Older brother to MICHELLE, son to DIANA, oldest of the primos. Showrunner for the telenovela. Early 30’s Queer Latino man.
DIANA – Mother to MICHELLE and FLACO. Actress in the telenovela. Grew up in Colombia, immigrated when she was in her 20’s. 40’s/50’s Latina. Also plays LA CARMEN, LA PATASOLA and MEDITATION VOICE.
-Fight choreography required
HARVEY – Youngest of the primos. Presents as 16. Also plays EL MOHÁN.
EL MOHÁN- El Mohan is a mischievous fellow who collects gold rings, bracelets, gems, the works. He uses these fine items to lure women towards him and it is said those that follow him are never to be found again. But aside from those gruesome qualities, El Mohan also helps return lost love ones to their families.
-Fight choreography required
CHEMITA – Second oldest of the primos. Older sister to HARVEY, early 20’s. Chisme Queen of Miami. Also plays LA JOVEN, LA BOLA DEL FUEGO.
-Fight choreography required
FREDDI – Lover to FLACO. Early 30’s Queer Latino man. Honorary Villegas family member.
Also plays EL MACHO, EL SILBÓN, and EL HOMBRE BUFEO
EL SILBÓN - El Silbón (the whistler) is a spirit was a former farmer who become a damned soul after he killed his father.
EL HOMBRE BUFEO - Every time the characteristic pink fin of the dolphin appears in the waters of the Amazon River, the elders remember the wonderful story of how a few years ago the dolphin still became a person and came out of the waters of the majestic river to make the women fall in love with them. pretty for the holidays
- Intimacy required, fight choreography required, deals with themes of sexual assault
(El Bufeo attempts to sexually assault an unconscious Flaco before Michelle interrupts him with violence.)
Please send any questions to Fritz Bennett at fbennett@purdue.edu.